What is a METAR?
METAR stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report. It is a standardized aviation weather observation that provides current weather conditions at a specific airport. Issued once an hour (or more frequently if conditions change significantly), the METAR is an essential tool for pilots because it delivers concise, coded information that can be understood worldwide. Whether you’re flying a short GA hop or preparing for a long cross-country, checking the latest METAR gives you the real-time conditions you’ll face on arrival or departure.
Duration and Validity
A METAR represents a “snapshot” of weather at the time it was issued. Reports are typically updated hourly, but if significant weather changes occur—such as thunderstorms, low visibility, or wind shifts—a SPECI (special report) may be issued in between the regular cycles. Pilots must remember that a METAR is not a forecast; it only tells you what the weather is doing right now, which is why it is always paired with TAFs (Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts) for planning ahead.
What’s Inside a METAR
Each METAR uses a globally recognized coding system that may look cryptic at first glance but becomes second nature with practice. A typical report includes:
- Station identifier (the ICAO airport code).
- Date and time of the report (in UTC).
- Wind speed and direction (including gusts if present).
- Visibility.
- Runway visual range (if applicable)
- Weather phenomena (rain, snow, fog, thunderstorms, etc.).
- Sky condition (cloud layers and coverage).
- Temperature and dew point.
- Altimeter setting (pressure).
- Remarks (RMK), which may include additional details like lightning or variable winds.
Why METARs Matter
For pilots, understanding METARs is not just about compliance—it’s about safety. A well-interpreted METAR can reveal low ceilings that might prevent VFR flight, crosswind conditions that challenge landings, or fog that could delay departures. By decoding the symbols and numbers quickly, pilots gain an immediate picture of whether conditions are within their personal and regulatory limits.
Mastering METARs is one of the first steps toward weather confidence in aviation. Once you can read these reports with ease, you’ll be better equipped to make sound go/no-go decisions. In the next blog, we’ll explore how METARs pair with TAFs—helping pilots not just understand the weather now, but also anticipate what lies ahead.
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